Ants can be a real nuisance in the garden, potentially damaging your plants. Fortunately, you can naturally deter them by incorporating repellent plants into your green space. With these plants, you’ll repel ants quickly and effectively protect your garden!
To keep ants at bay, you only need the right plants. These are not only easy to grow but also bring delightful scents to your garden, attracting the predators of these sometimes harmful insects.
Four Plants That Keep Ants Away in the Garden
Peppermint
Peppermint has a strong repellent effect on ants. It thrives in sunny or semi-shaded locations with moist, humus-rich soil. This hardy plant requires minimal care. To manage its vigorous growth, plant it in a large pot before transplanting it into the ground. Regular pruning is essential, and it can also flourish on a balcony or terrace.
Thyme
While thyme doesn’t have as intense a scent as mint, it is also an excellent ant repellent. This perennial plant grows to about 30 cm in height, thriving in well-drained soil and sunny spots. Native to the Mediterranean, thyme doesn’t tolerate cold or excess moisture, so be sure to protect it from frost in winter by covering it with straw.
Marjoram
Marjoram not only helps keep ants away but also adds beauty to your garden. This plant thrives in warm, sunny locations with fertile, permeable soil that has a slightly alkaline pH. While marjoram is grown as an annual, it may freeze during the winter months.
Lavender
The compounds found in lavender repel ants, as well as mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. Plant lavender near roses to protect them from aphids. It thrives in warm, dry conditions and well-drained, calcareous soils. Lavender is drought-resistant and perfect for adding fragrance to your home, making it suitable for flower beds, balconies, and terraces.
Remember: The Benefits of Ants
While ants can be pests, they also provide numerous benefits in the garden:
- They feed on parasites.
- Their excrement, rich in nitrogen, fertilizes the soil.
- Ants help many plants thrive, including violets, anemones, and snowdrops.
By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can effectively keep ants away while enjoying the added benefits they bring!
